Friday, November 21, 2014

THE COMBAT AIRLIFTER CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT will take ads
by phone from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday 982-9421, or you may mail
your ad to 404 Graham Rd., Jacksonville, Ark. 72078. You may also e-mail them
to combatairlifterclassifieds@arkansasleader.com Deadline to advertise in
Friday's issue is 5 p.m. Tuesday.

DOES YOUR HOME NEED: SIDING, WINDOWS or a METAL ROOF?
ONLY 3 HOMES LEFT TO QUALIFY for our show case of homes. SAVE HUNDREDS OF
DOLLARS. No money down.100% Financing. Payments as low as $89/mo. CALL NOW !!!!
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to new callers. CALL NOW 1-800-474-0423.**

An Army and Air Force Exchange Service associate received the Department of Defense Outstanding Individual with a Disability Award for 2014 during a presentation Nov. 14 at the Little Rock Air Force Base Exchange.

John Perry, senior store associate in the electronics department, was honored for his strong job performance and steadfast commitment to serving Airmen, retirees and their families at Little Rock AFB. Perry, who has been paralyzed from the neck down since birth, provides technical answers to shoppers’ electronics questions, and his positive disposition has helped him forge a bond with the community.

“Getting to know our customers and taking care of them are the best parts of my job,” said Perry. “I get to know some of them personally, too. Sometimes we talk about electronics. Sometimes we talk about sports or something else on their mind. It’s just an honor to serve them.”

Maj. Gen. Joseph Ward, Exchange Deputy Director and Michael Immler, Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer, honored Perry at the presentation, praising him for his tireless work ethic and passion for serving those who serve.

“John brings his ‘A’ game each and every day to the Airmen assigned to Little Rock and to his fellow Exchange associates,” said Ward. “His warmth and enthusiasm shine through in all he does.”

Immler agreed, citing Perry’s tenacity during his 14-year career at the Exchange.

“John started at the Exchange as a greeter and has worked his way up to senior store associate in the electronics department,” said Immler. “Today, he helps educate shoppers of all ages about the latest technology. Both the Exchange and Little Rock AFB are better for having John on our team.”

Perry commended the Little Rock AFB Exchange team, crediting his fellow associates with always being there for him.

“I appreciate my co-workers and the help they give me,” said Perry. “They deserve praise also.”

Shannon Koder, Exchange assistant store manager who nominated Perry for the award, called him an inspiration to fellow associates, shoppers and community members.

“John has taught us all how the human spirit can ignite an internal flame to achieve more than we thought possible,” said Koder. “He truly embodies the Exchange motto of family serving family.”

All U.S. military branches contain a plethora of cultural diversity. Airmen and civilians from different states, countries, ethnicities and backgrounds join the Air Force and contribute to the service’s diversity.

At Little Rock Air Force Base, one Airman adds to the cultural competence of the United States Air Force.

Airman 1st Class Matthew Frederick, who claims Chiang Mai, Thailand, as his home town, has had valuable cultural experiences, been exposed to culture shocks throughout his travels and gained the appreciation of what each country or lifestyle has taught him.

Although he calls Thailand home, Frederick was actually born an American citizen.

“My father was in the Air Force, so we moved around a lot,” said Frederick. “I was born in Utah while my dad was stationed at Hill Air Force Base. I lived there for two years. Then, we moved to Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan, for seven years and then moved to Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, for five years. After that, my dad retired in Thailand, and I lived there for 12 years.”

Since Frederick moved to Japan while he was still young, his first exposure to American culture was when he moved to Tyndall AFB.

“I remember there were a couple of bizarre things,” said Frederick. “I remember sitting in a car and my sister was reading every billboard out loud in English. It was the first time we could read all the billboards in English because the ads in Japan were in Japanese.”

Frederick also had interesting experiences when he began socializing with civilian children.

“I was 10 years old, and I met people who weren’t military kids,” said Frederick. “I would say ‘Let’s go to the commissary or the base exchange,’ and kids would be like ‘What’s that?’ I thought it was so strange.”

Frederick has also had intriguing cultural experiences with his wife, Pauline, a stay-at-home mom.

Pauline, a native of France, met Frederick in Thailand while they were both attending college. Once they were married, the couple went to visit France, and Frederick received an insight into French mannerisms and etiquette.

“In France, they don’t hug,” said Frederick. “In Thailand, there’s no physical contact, especially with a member of the opposite gender. When I met my brother-in-law’s wife for a first time, she came up to me and gave me a kiss on both of my cheeks. I was shocked; I looked at Pauline like ‘I didn’t do anything!’”

To learn more about cultural mannerisms and etiquette, the Fredericks encourage others to ask questions.

“A lot of people don’t ask questions because they fear they are going to be impolite,” said Pauline. “Asking is the first step to becoming culturally competent. Not asking questions isn’t very intelligent because you’re not opening yourself up.”

Keeping an open mind often helps people to become more understanding. However, staying true to one’s beliefs also boosts resilience and spirituality.

“My morals are non-debatable to me,” said Frederick. “They’re the standards I hold myself to. I know I can have different standards and that’s okay. I think that it helps your spirituality and resilience because you can become more thankful for what you have and be more understanding.”

Frederick believes understanding where people come from and their cultural experiences or upbringings can help Airmen execute the mission more effectively.

“Every day, we encounter people from all ages, ethnicities and social classes within the Air Force,” said Frederick. “It is important to understand that all people or cultures have a reason for doing what they do. With this mindset, people are less likely to be frustrated with others who are different and will work cohesively toward a particular goal.”

Throughout his travels, the main thing Frederick has gathered is a new point of view.

“I’ve gained a different perspective of things,” said Frederick. “I realize that just because people do things differently, it’s not necessarily wrong. When I meet someone from a different country, I’m more ready to understand and less quick to judge. I also realize that you’re a small part of a very big world. The more you travel, the bigger the world gets.”

Isochronal stands are one of the many pieces of equipment Airmen use to repair aircraft. The mobile stands are working platforms that can hold a large number of people at once. This ultimately helps facilitate quicker routine maintenance, moving aircraft out of the hangar and back to the flightline to continue the mission.

“The versatility of the stands enhances mission effectiveness,” said Tech. Sgt. Chad Dunham, a 19th MXS ISO production supervisor. “All parts of the aircraft are made accessible to the Airmen.”

When a C-130 requires scheduled maintenance action, it is brought into the hangar and parked near the ISO stands. The stands are then placed around the entire aircraft and assembled under the wings. Without the stands, mechanics wouldn’t be able to work underneath the aircraft or above the wings.

The current set of Little Rock AFB’s ISO stands allow Airmen to work more efficiently compared to their previous stands.

“The older style stands aren’t as good as what we have now,” said Dunham. “We couldn’t have aircraft jacked around the old stands. We had to pull the stands out and then jack and lower the plane. Then we had to put the ISO stands back in.”

In addition to the capability to raise and lower the aircraft, the current stands have lights, offer electrical power and compressed air to help mechanics work more promptly.

The convenience of the ISO stands allows Airmen to begin their work faster and save time while making repairs.

“We can have our tools right there on the stand,” said Master Sgt. Tobi Zimmerman, a 19th MXS ISO production supervisor. “Instead of getting off the stand, going to a tool box, getting the tool and getting back on the stand, they can reach it right there.”

Although ISO stands are merely working platforms, the advanced structures are relied upon to aid maintenance Airmen in their repair of C-130s. The ISO stands are proof that not even the daunting size of an aircraft can hinder the 19th MXS from accomplishing its mission.

Friday, November 14, 2014

THE COMBAT AIRLIFTER CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT will take ads
by phone from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday 982-9421, or you may mail
your ad to 404 Graham Rd., Jacksonville, Ark. 72078. You may also e-mail them
to combatairlifterclassifieds@arkansasleader.com Deadline to advertise in
Friday's issue is 5 p.m. Tuesday.

DOES YOUR HOME NEED: SIDING, WINDOWS or a METAL ROOF?
ONLY 3 HOMES LEFT TO QUALIFY for our show case of homes. SAVE HUNDREDS OF
DOLLARS. No money down.100% Financing. Payments as low as $89/mo. CALL NOW !!!!
1-866-668-8681 to qualify.**

REDUCE YOUR CABLE BILL! Get a whole-home Satellite system
installed at NO COST and programming starting at $19.99/mo. FREE HD/DVR Upgrade
to new callers. CALL NOW 1-800-474-0423.**

On Oct. 31, Airmen from Little Rock Air Force Base took part in a conference that transformed Nashville, Tennessee, into “The Mobility Capital of the World.”

Military members and civilians associated with the U.S. Air Force’s Air Mobility Command, converged in Tennessee’s capital for the 46th Annual Airlift/Tanker Association Convention, which consisted of a technology exposition along with an AMC and A/TA symposium.

The A/TA is a private organization headed by past and present mobility Airmen. The organization originally began in July 1969 with about 30 Vietnam War veterans who wanted to set up a reunion meeting. Approximately 45 years later, the A/TA conference has evolved into a major Air Force event with more than 1,500 attendees from around the world.

The 2014 A/TA Convention centered on the organization’s three main objectives: Supporting air mobility Airmen, preserving the air mobility culture and strengthening AMC bonds.

Support of mobility Airmen was provided in an assortment of ways. A plethora of awards were presented to outstanding AMC members, including the A/TA Young Leader Award, Specialized Mission Award and various distinguished aircrew awards. In addition to the award presentations, the A/TA allocated grants and scholarships to outstanding Airmen.

The A/TA honored both current and veteran Airmen during the symposium. The prominent culture of AMC was displayed by recognizing the only living air mobility Medal of Honor recipient, highlighting past air mobility operations, and by inducting distinguished airlifters into the A/TA Hall of Fame.

Prominently, the A/TA convention provided a medium to strengthen and build relationships. Active-duty, Guard, Reserve and civilian Airmen from AMC were able to exchange information and network at the event. Industry partners had a large presence at the massive mobility meeting during the three-day-long Air Mobility Technology Exposition.

America’s aerospace industry plays a huge role in providing the U.S. Air Force with a decisive military edge. Boeing, Bose, GE Aviation, Lockheed Martin, Rolls-Royce and Gulfstream were just a few of the myriad of companies represented at the technology exposition. The companies displayed new technological developments in their various products and services.

The A/TA assembly concluded with a prominent speech by McDew. The AMC commander highlighted the importance of global air mobility throughout his final address.

“Over the past few months alone, our aircraft and Airmen have saved thousands of people through humanitarian missions over Iraq, contributed to counterterrorism operations worldwide and were the first to arrive in Africa to lead the fight against Ebola,” McDew said.

McDew made it clear that air mobility is a core part of the U.S. Air Force.

“You deliver the world,” said McDew, while addressing AMC Airmen. “Together we provide unrivaled global mobility…always. And mobility is airpower.”

McDew thanked AMC Airmen and repeatedly expressed his gratitude for what they do every day.

“I wish you could see you through my eyes, I love what I see,” he said.

Danny Gregg has been to many places. From the southwestern parts of America to Japan, the 19th Maintenance Squadron contractor and test cell lead has seen it all.

However, none of the places he has been to have struck a chord in his heart and his career like Little Rock Air Force Base.

“I’ve been here since 1988,” said Gregg. “I liked it here so much I made it my base of preference after five years and haven’t left since then.”

Gregg decided to settle down near Little Rock AFB because he felt there were better opportunities for himself and his family.

“Little Rock AFB has so much to offer,” said Gregg. “People treat you a lot better here than others. It’s secure for me. I can relate to everybody.”

Gregg, a Longview, Texas, native, began his journey here when he joined in the U.S. Army in 1974 as an armor crewman for M60 and M48 tanks.

“I joined the Army because my dad was in,” said Gregg. “I didn’t like it very much because you had to stay outside all of the time.”

After a brief two years in the Army, Gregg decided to join a different military branch. Gregg’s father worked with a chief master sergeant, who influenced Gregg to enlist with the Air Force.

“The Air Force is exciting,” said Gregg. “There is so much excitement and places to go. And I liked the work load.”

While serving in the Air Force for 23 years, Gregg served in a variety of assignments as a test engine mechanic on different engines such as the TF-39, T-76, UH-1N and T-56. After he retired in February 1999 as a master sergeant, Gregg has continued working as a T-56 mechanic under a Kay and Associate contract.

Although Gregg has worked on engines for over 30 years, there hasn’t been much change in his work.

“Mechanics don’t really change,” said Gregg. “I’m still doing the same thing. But since I’m a civilian now, I follow different guidelines and policies. I still work to achieve Air Force standards, but I follow different policies.”

Despite the little changes he has seen working on the T-56 engine, Gregg still receives a lot of satisfaction from working on the engine.

“I take a lot of pride in helping make an aircraft go,” said Gregg. “It’s a good feeling to accomplish something like that. Also, in my career, working at the test cell has always been given to elite personnel. I am thankful and proud to be one of those chosen.”

During his time at Little Rock AFB, Gregg has seen the base evolve into what it is today.

“I’ve seen a lot of changes,” said Gregg. “I was here when the Commissary changed, when the Base Exchange moved and when the Fitness Center was remodeled,” said Gregg. “I’ve even seen all the buildings on the flight line change. When I first got here, Hangar 250 was pink. I was also here when the buildings were all painted brown.”

From working as a volunteer in the Special Olympics to meeting former President Bill Clinton, Gregg has made personal and professional memories in his life here.

“When I achieved senior noncommissioned officer status, I was promoted on the test cell pad,” said Gregg. “I work on this pad every day, and I’ve been here ever since.”

Although Gregg has viewed the base change, he has also seen himself change throughout the years. After having a heart attack while coming to work a couple of years ago, Gregg began to have a different outlook on life.

“I’m still a happy-go-lucky guy,” said Gregg. “I respect people more. I try to boost them up and not degrade them. I try to bring them up instead of tearing them down.”

Gregg has have served his country for a total of 40 years as a military member and a civilian. Without the guidance and stability of the military, he feels he wouldn’t have become the person he is today.

“The military is my life,” said Gregg. “It’s given me the chance to advance my education and my career. I’ve learned the dos and don’ts, the meaning of life, the Golden Rule and everything else in between. I was born into the military and, here I am, still in the military.”

Members of the 314th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron accomplished a rare maintenance feat on a C-130 Oct. 29 at Little Rock Air Force Base, and marking a local achievement for the unit.

Aircraft 5732, a C-130J assigned to the 314th AMXS, received black-letter initial status after landing with zero discrepancies. After the first sortie, the aircraft proceeded to receive three more black-letter initial flights.

The phrase black-letter initial flight originates from the 781H form used to inspect C-130s before and after each flight. Crew chiefs use the form as a checklist. When there is a discrepancy, it is highlighted with an x, a dash or a forward slash in red pen. When there are no discrepancies, the person checking the aircraft will sign the form with their initials in black ink.

Since Little Rock AFB gained the aircraft in the summer of 2013, many people might assume the aircraft should receive black-letter initial status often. However, the 314th AMXS C-130s accumulate high numbers of sorties and maintenance repairs over a short period of time because of their support to the training mission on base.

“It’s a new plane, but it’s not always going to get black-letter,” said Senior Airman Trenton Torgerson, a 314th AMXS assistant crew chief assigned to Aircraft 5732. “It already has more than 200 sorties and approximately 1,000 maintenance actions on it. So when something like a black-letter initial happens, it makes you feel good.”

Although Abejar and Torgerson are the assistant crew chiefs for the aircraft, the entire 314th AMXS can call the black-letter initial their own victory.

“Everybody helped out,” said Abejar. “Everybody in the squadron contributed. We all came out here and made it happen.”

While the 314th AMXS pockets the black-letter initial status, the squadron will continue to work together as they help field the world’s best combat airlifters.

“This black-letter initial is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the men and women of the 314th AMXS gold section,” said Staff Sgt. William McLeod, the 314th AMXS dedicated crew chief for Aircraft 5732. “The black-letter initial is proof of the hard work of the knowledgeable Airmen who keep the mission going on a daily basis.”

Friday, November 7, 2014

THE COMBAT AIRLIFTER CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT will take ads
by phone from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday 982-9421, or you may mail
your ad to 404 Graham Rd., Jacksonville, Ark. 72078. You may also e-mail them
to combatairlifterclassifieds@arkansasleader.com Deadline to advertise in
Friday's issue is 5 p.m. Tuesday.

DOES YOUR HOME NEED: SIDING, WINDOWS or a METAL
ROOF?ONLY 3 HOMES LEFT TO
QUALIFYfor our show case of
homes. SAVE HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS. No money down. 100% Financing. Payments as low
as $89/mo. CALL NOW !!!! 1-866-668-8681 to qualify.**

Effective Nov. 1, in order to encourage travelers to take advantage of cost saving opportunities available for long-term travel, travelers performing temporary duty for more than 30 days in one location, CONUS and OCONUS, will receive a flat rate per diem. For long-term TDY of 31-180 days, the authorized flat rate is 75 percent of the locality rate payable for each full day of TDY at that location. For long-term TDY greater than 180 days, the authorized flat rate is 55 percent of the locality rate payable for each full day of TDY at that location. On the travel day to the TDY location, the traveler receives up to 100 percent lodging per diem at the locality rate and 75 percent meals and incidental expenses. To view the official policy change, go to http://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/Docs/perdiem/browse/Travel_Regulations/Regulations_Changes/Immediate/UTDCTD118-13(R).pdf.

Chapel position available

The Little Rock AFB chapel is seeking a Catholic parish coordinator. The individual is required to coordinate Catholic parish programs, ministry volunteers and leaders for training, budget inputs and scheduled events. Interested bidders should have formal training that is relevant to this position or at least two years of work experience in a similar or related field. An associate’s degree is required, but higher education is preferred. Background checks will be required as directed by DoDI 1402. The award of this contract will be based upon the best value to the government. Bid documents including the Statement of Work, criteria of selection and general provisions can be obtained from building 950, Monday - Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 1- 4:30 p.m. All sealed bids must be received by the chapel no later than 9 a.m., Nov. 24, 2014. Further information associated with duties and bid submission for this contract position can be obtained by contacting Master Sgt. David George or Tech Sgt. Juan Santoy at the base chapel at (501) 987-6014.

Whether it is the first deployment or the fifth deployment your family is enduring, being separated from your spouse or loved one is no easy task.

The Airman and Family Readiness Center at Little Rock Air Force Base. tries to alleviate some of the hardship and difficulties by offering the following deployment classes and assistance programs to families of deployed service members:

The Hearts Apart program provides loved ones an opportunity to communicate via phone to deployed members at his/her location with DSN capability & accessibility: Dial the base switchboard at (501) 987-1110 and follow automated prompts.

Web Cams are available for checkout to loved ones in the local Little Rock AFB area.

Give Parents a Break is an Air Force Aid Society sponsored program. This program provides free child care once a month at the Child Development Center for families during separation due to deployment or remote tours. Vouchers and schedules are available at the A&FRC.

Car Care because We Care is an Air Force Aid Society sponsored program. This program provides a free oil change and general service check on one vehicle during deployment or twice during a remote tour. This program is for spouses only.

The Family Child Care program provides free child care through the Family Child Care office. Families can utilize child care during all phases of deployment: Pre-deployment, deployment, and returning home child care. Each phase will have 16 hours per child to use. Contact FCC at (501) 987-3156.

Military and Family Life Consultant is available to provide non-clinical, short-based confidential counseling services for military members and their families, to include children. These services can be provided both on and off base. Call (501) 366-7703 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Spouses pre-deployment briefs and reintegration/reunion support services are available for members and their families, to help with coping and eliminating some of the stresses commonly faced before, during and after deployment.

Hero Pillow Cases are available to help children cope with the separation of mom or dad. Email a picture of the deployed member to kimberly.euton@us.af.mil and the photo will be put on a pillowcase for your children to cuddle at night.

“The connection you make while you are there, having someone to talk to that is going through the same situation is good therapy,” said Master Sgt. Kimberly Euton, the Airman and Family Readiness Center noncommisioned officer in charge of readiness. “Network connections such as ‘hey I need help with someone watching my kids while I grocery shop’ things like that are a real blessing.”

Thirty participants with ChemLights strapped to their rucks and headlamps on, began an 18.6-mile march Oct. 31 at Little Rock Air Force Base.

The only light that fell on the faces of soldiers and Airmen were the orange incandescent lamps that lined the streets.

Men and women competed in age categories in order to be awarded the Norwegian Foot March badge. The categories determined the times that each participant needed to finish.

The rucksacks carried by each participant were required to weigh at least 25 pounds, but could not be filled with items that could be replenished along their route such as water, sand or rocks. The rucks were also weighed when each participant finished to ensure the weight of the sack was not lessened during the march.

After meeting at Hangar 1080 for weigh-ins and a safety brief, the participants were shuttled to the Arnold Drive gate and filed out of the bus to form up, briefly pausing for a moment of silence or positive thoughts. As the stars still blanketed the sky, the countdown began and the members hustled off from the starting point to earn the right to wear the badge.

The grueling 18.6-mile trek began at the Arnold Drive gate, with the competitors making their way to Vandenberg Boulevard, down to Marshall Road, then finally down Chief Master Sgt. Williams Drive bringing them back to the Arnold Drive gate only to do it again. Their last leg led them through Heritage Park, where they finished at Hangar 1080.

Assisting with the march were 19th Security Forces Squadron members and 19th Medical Group personnel. While the 19th SFS escorted the participants throughout the route, ensuring the ruckers safety by blocking intersections as the runners came through, medical personnel set up aid stations along the way while keeping a close eye on the competitors and watched for injured personnel needing medical assistance.

“We were looking to build morale and partner with Little Rock Air Force Base, and we thought this would be a nice joint opportunity at no cost to the government,” said Maj. Michael O’Hara, Army National Guard Professional Education Center headquarters company commander.

O’Hara, a veteran of five marathons, completed the foot march in first place with a time of 3 hours and 39 minutes with Army Command Sgt. Maj. Greg Slater trailing him the entire time. Slater finished in 3 hours and 44 minutes.

“It definitely takes a good partner to keep each other going when you are ready to throw in the towel,” said Moore. “It is fun to physically train with other people and do something different, something different than everyone else does.”

Although 30 participants started the journey to achieve the badge only 20 finished in the allotted time to earn it.